The use of an aptitude test in university entrance - a validity study
From 2005 to 2010, the NFER carried out a longitudinal study examining the potential use of an aptitude test (the SAT Reasoning TestTM), in university admissions. The study tracked a cohort of over 8000 young people had taken the SAT® in 2005. The final phase of the project was completed in 2010 with the analysis of the degree outcomes of approximately 2800 participants who had entered higher education (HE) in 2006 and graduated in 2009 after three-year degree courses.
The project was co-funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (previously the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills), the Sutton Trust, the NFER and the College Board.
Objectives
The aims of the study were to examine the following questions:
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Can the SAT® and A levels better predict HE participation and outcomes than A levels alone?
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Can the SAT® identify students with the potential to benefit from higher education whose ability is not adequately reflected in their A level results because of their (economically or educationally) disadvantaged circumstances?
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Can the SAT® distinguish helpfully between the most able applicants who achieve three or more A grades at A level?
Background
This study stemmed largely from issues raised by a steering group, chaired by Professor Steven Schwartz (Admissions to Higher Education Steering Group, 2004): the desire to widen participation in HE, to provide fair access and to improve the admissions system. It was recognised that for some students their true potential might not be reflected in their examination results due to social or educational disadvantages. A further issue was the increasing number of highly qualified applicants and the difficulties faced by some HE admissions departments in differentiating between them.
For more information about the background to this research and the methodology, please refer to the published research reports.
Audience(s)
Higher education institutions, schools and further education colleges, participating students, as well as central government and other statutory and voluntary organisations involved with higher education.
Proposed time scale
September 2005 - October 2010
Research findings/reports